Coutinho can fire Liverpool into Champions League, says Enrique

The Spaniard believes his Brazilian team-mate can help the Reds finish in the top four of the Premier League next season after impressing since his move to Anfield

Liverpool defender Jose Enrique believes Philippe Coutinho can help the club return to the Champions League next season.

The 20-year-old joined the Reds in January from Inter for €10 million and proved an instant hit, scoring three goals in 13 league appearances as well as notching up seven assists.

And Enrique believes such vision and efficiency may prove the difference for the club across a full season.

“Coutinho is a very special player,” Enrique told the club’s official website. “His vision and his passing is incredible and he’s an amazing lad as well.

“It was really good to have him in the team and he proved to be a great signing. For me, Coutinho was the best player in the Premier League in the second half of the season.

“He’s still young and improving but I think he will be very important for us next season when we will fight to get into the top four. Hopefully he will help us achieve our target of the Champions League.”

Enrique was also full of praise for England striker Daniel Sturridge, another successful January signing for the club and also challenged any summer signings to hit the ground running in similar fashion to the duo.

“We will have some new players as well to help us next season and if they do as well as the two players we signed in January then we will be in a great position,” he added.

“As well as Coutinho, Daniel Sturridge was on fire. He scored lots of goals and showed he has all the qualities needed to be one of the best strikers in the Premier League.”